Beyond Contrition

Beyond Contrition: "It was late and weak, but contrition is good. Contrition is a start. Yes, I know, it does seem that George W. Bush can barely squeeze out the words accepting final responsibility for the nightmare in New Orleans. And, yes, his qualified mea kinda culpa implies that state and local officials might be more to blame than he is. It certainly would be nice for him to project more sincerity. At this point, though, even the appearance of contrition is a start.

But has Hurricane Katrina really shaken the swagger out of this maddeningly arrogant administration, wiping the smirk from its face? Was the president just offering Band-Aids and rhetoric, or will he really undertake the kind of fundamental reconstruction that leaves the Gulf Coast -- and the nation -- a better place? Does he realize that the enormous task ahead requires humility and flexibility, two qualities he seems so loath to display?"